Tashkent, Uzbekistan (March 19, 2024) - It's being reported that Michael Hunter will appear in the ring at the IBA Champions Night where he will face Russian prospect Artem Suslenkov. The top heavyweight contender has been silent in recent years.

At the IBA Champions Night in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, Michael Hunter (21-1-2, 15 KOs) is reported to be fighting. The former WBO cruiserweight title challenger only lost to Oleksandr Usyk before deciding to move up to the heavyweight division. However, in the last 27 months, he has only fought once. After splitting with Jerry Forrest in December 2021, he had a comeback fight more than a year and a half later.

Hunter, who briefly ranked with the heavyweight division's elite after moving up and defeating Iago Kiladze, Martin Bakole, Sergey Kuzmin, and drawing with Alexander Povetkin, seems eager to make another run for the top. He complained to talkSPORT that he was often avoided because he presents a high risk but generates relatively little earnings. Instead of big fights, there was disillusionment - not only among fans but also for Michael Hunter himself.

But all hope is not lost for Hunter. "The Bounty" has already begun to rebuild his career away from the bright lights of big stages in Mexico. Last September, he stopped journeyman Miguel Cubos within two rounds. He is supposed to face Ignacio Esparza (23-3) in Guadalajara on March 23, but this now seems unrealistic, as it's now been announced that he will be stepping into the ring in Tashkent on April 14, according to the IBA's official Instagram.

At the IBA Champions Night, he will climb back into the ring for a professional fight organized by the IBA with their Pro Series. In the Humo Arena, he'll be facing Artem Suslenkov. The Russian has ten wins as a professional, seven of which were by knockout. Against the former Russian champion, who has a solid amateur career, Hunter has a chance to redeem himself once again.

Reports of this contest have been conflicting. Stay tuned for more updates.

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